There was considerable uncertainty coming into the Taste of Beaumont/BWNA Elections General Meeting in early April. First, the change of venue from Bethany Lutheran Church to Beaumont Middle School cafeteria. Would the cafeteria feel overly spacious and impersonal? Would the change of location catch some residents by surprise? Second, the NCAA National Championship basketball game between Louisville and Michigan that would be simultaneously airing on TV. How might this affect attendance? Third, given the shortage of food at last year’s Taste of Beaumont, would there be enough to go around this year? Fourth, the event’s agenda had been restructured. How would it work out to have the musical concert split into two performances? What would be the reaction to holding elections earlier in the evening when people might still be dining? Fifth, due to illness, moves outside the neighborhood, and increased personal commitments, BWNA would limp into this year’s elections with six Board vacancies to fill, including the office of Treasurer. Given last year’s dismal showing of new volunteers to fill vacant positions, had Taste of Beaumont run its course as a recruitment vehicle?
One factor that was never in doubt–the quality of entertainment provided by the 19-member-strong Beaumont Middle School Jazz Ambassadors. Directed by the effervescent Cynthia Plank, the gifted young musicians charmed the audience with their multifaceted repertoire, ranging from a melodic ballad to funky blues. The band kicked off the evening by performing a ten-minute set, followed by a 45-minute break to dine on their favorite pizzas, specially prepared by Papa Murphy’s and timed to arrive just after the end of the first set. Music resumed after elections, with a belted out toe-tapper grand finale featuring several impressive solos on a variety of instruments. Ms. Plank recorded the performance, explaining that Taste of Beaumont had doubled as a dress rehearsal for an upcoming competition.
The concern about splitting the concert into two parts turned out to be unfounded, as would most of our other worries. Food and drink were in plentiful supply. Responding big time to BWNA’s requests, local merchants provided generous amounts of cuisine samples, beverages, ice, and an assortment of prizes for the two free raffle drawings. And fearing a repeat of last year, BWNA purchased additional amounts of food and beverages. The result was an all-you-can-eat feast.
Thanks to white table cloths on loan from the Beaumont Middle School PTA and gorgeous floral arrangements (that doubled as raffle prizes) courtesy of Beaumont Florist, the cafeteria looked terrific. And though the turnout was less than expected, elections resulted in five of the six vacant Board positions being filled, including Treasurer! The new at-large Board members are Sally Baker, Kathy Campbell, Leslie Schommer, and Grant Sprick, with Karla Lenox becoming Treasurer. Reelected were Bill Markwart (VP), Jim Karlock (Secretary), Serah Breakstone, and Aaron Good. Extolled for their service were departing members Dave Anderson and Bob McKibben.
Lastly, a rousing round of applause for our participating merchants: Alameda Brewhouse, Amalfi’s, Beaumont Florist, Beaumont Market, Delphina’s Bakery, Fire on the Mountain, Grand Central Bakery, Green Dog Pet Supply, Hattie’s Sweet Shop, Noho’s, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Pizzicato Pizza, and Stanich’s.